Proper Use

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Nitrofurantoin is best taken with food or milk. This may lessen stomach upset and help your body to absorb the medicine.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Do not miss any doses.

Shake the oral liquid forcefully before each dose to make sure the medicine is evenly mixed. Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not open, crush, or chew the capsule before swallowing it.

Do not take antacids containing magnesium trisilicate (e.g., Genaton®) while you are using nitrofurantoin. It may prevent the medicine from working properly.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage forms (capsules, suspension, and tablets):

For prevention of urinary tract infections:

Adults and teenagers—50 to 100 milligrams (mg) at bedtime.

Children and infants 1 month of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.

Infants younger than 1 month of age—Use is not recommended.

For treatment of urinary tract infections:

Adults and teenagers—50 to 100 milligrams (mg) every six hours.

Children and infants 1 month of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.

Infants younger than 1 month of age—Use is not recommended.

For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):

For treatment of urinary tract infections:

Adults, teenagers, and children 12 years of age and older—100 milligrams (mg) every twelve hours for seven days.

Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.